Researchers from The University of Western Australia are looking for teenagers with depression to take part in a new study aiming to improve treatment outcomes.

"Most young people with depression have problems sleeping which increases the chance that depression will come back."

Dr Cele Richardson, UWA School of Psychological Science

Dr Cele Richardson, from UWA’s School of Psychological Science, said the study would examine if addressing sleep problems could improve mental health.

“Most young people with depression have problems sleeping which increases the chance that depression will come back,” Dr Richardson said.

Image: UWA's Dr Cele Richardson.

“By addressing sleep in the treatment of depression, we hope to improve long-term mental health outcomes for adolescents.”

Study participants will attend an initial assessment interview and up to 11 treatment sessions over nine weeks, via telehealth. 

The treatment sessions (Brief Behavioural Activation for depression) will teach key skills to address symptoms of depression, including how to prevent depression from returning.

Half of study participants will also take part in Bright Light Therapy, which is designed to re-set young people’s body clocks, and includes education about sleep and the circadian rhythm and wearing bright light glasses at certain times of the morning.

Participants will also complete questionnaires, computerised tasks and overnight sleep recording at home on five occasions, those who complete the tasks will receive a $20 gift card.

Teenagers aged 13 to 18 who are currently experiencing symptoms of depression, such as low mood or decreased ability to feel pleasure, may be eligible to participate.

To learn more, click here.